Soo Locks projects announced

SAULT STE. MARIE — In announcing expenditures $17.8 million for the 2014 work plan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District has earmarked $7.5 million for work associated with the Soo Locks in 2014.Chief of Public Affairs Lynn Rose said the bulk of the upcoming expenditure — $4.5 million —...

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By Staff reports

Sault Ste. Marie Evening News - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

By Staff reports

Posted May. 5, 2014 at 12:00 PM

By Staff reports
Posted May. 5, 2014 at 12:00 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE — In announcing expenditures $17.8 million for the 2014 work plan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District has earmarked $7.5 million for work associated with the Soo Locks in 2014.

Chief of Public Affairs Lynn Rose said the bulk of the upcoming expenditure — $4.5 million — will go toward new controls, equipment upgrades and modernization of the MacArthur Lock. An additional $1 million will be spent on the Poe Lock for construction upgrades and electrical improvements.

An additional $2 million has been budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year, according to Rose, for work and upgrades associated with the federal powerhouse. Most of those funds, she explained, will go toward the replacement of the 50-plus old foot bridge that connects the Soo Locks to the plant. Additional money will be spent for electrical upgrades within the hydropower plant.

"The contracts will be awarded this year," said the agency spokesperson after double-checking with those who are overseeing the various projects, "although some of the work may not begin until 2015."

The Detroit District's $17.8 million work plan includes multiple dredging projects and six repair, replacement or construction projects throughout the region. In addition, according to a press release announcing the expenditures, two navigation studies will also be funded.

"We recognize that in this time of economic recovery we are responsible for ensuring the maximum efficient use of the dollars provided for our projects and programs," said Lt. Col. Robert Ells, district engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District. "We will continue to deliver great dividends to the region and to the nation. This 2014 work plan will allow us to fund our highest-priority projects and will assist the Corps in improving the nation's infrastructure and revitalizing the economy."

The work plan came about, according to the press release, when Congress appropriated additional funding for ongoing work in the fiscal year 2014 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act as contained in the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act.